Statement from Rabbi Shmuel Notik, Executive Director of F.R.E.E. of Illinois:
Thank G-d, everyone is OK, we are united, we are strong, and we will get through this.
We are deeply pained by the hateful antisemitic acts that took place this week when swastika images were spray painted at The Bellows Center, which is headquarters of F.R.E.E. Synagogues and home of Bubby Fira's Food Bank. Just minutes later, a young Jewish man was tackled on the way to evening services.
This is especially disturbing as it took place while we were packing hundreds of meals for local families in need, immigrant seniors from Russia and Holocaust survivors, who experienced lethal antisemitism in their lives.
We are very grateful to local law enforcement, the Chicago Police, and Alderman Debra Silverstein for dealing with this so quickly, already arresting and charging the offender for these hate crimes.
This is not the first time our organization has been singled out by violent haters. In 1993, our center was burned to the ground.
But we did not cower and we did not hide.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—who founded F.R.E.E., taught us to turn hate into love and tears into action.
And so we purchased an even larger property, where we are now based. And we continued to expand our reach, creating many new programs, including Bubby Fira's Food Bank.
As a community, we will increase in kindness and do more acts of good, the way we overcome hate and make this world a better place.
Bubby Fira's Food Bank at F.R.E.E. will be increasing the number of meals served and the amount of people helped. To support this initiative please visit www.bubbyfira.com/donate
We are in touch with law enforcement and security professionals and will be enhancing the security measures already in place. To contribute to these efforts www.obshina.com/security
With blessings for good news and the coming of Moshiach, who will usher in an era of peace and tranquility for mankind.
For Media inquiries
contact Rabbi Levi Notik
847-830-8152
lnotik@obshina.com
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